Liverpool boss Arne Slot has provided a positive injury update ahead of Saturday clash against Aston Villa.
Liverpool’s turbulent October took another sour turn on Wednesday night as Arne Slot’s heavily rotated side crashed out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield.
their third loss to the Eagles already this season. Yet amid the gloom, the Dutchman offered a sliver of optimism, revealing that Ryan Gravenberch could return from injury in time for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Slot’s men, who have now lost six of their last seven in all competitions, were undone by a brace from Ismaila Sarr and a late strike from Yeremy Pino as Palace’s depth and cohesion overwhelmed Liverpool’s youthful lineup.
The home side began brightly enough but faded badly, with a lack of senior experience evident throughout the second half.
While Oliver Glasner named a largely experienced Palace side, Slot opted for wholesale rotation a decision that underlined his focus on the Premier League and Champions League campaigns ahead. Freddie Woodman, Calvin Ramsay, Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison were among those handed rare starts, with not a single first-team regular even named on the bench.
The decision backfired in the short term, though Slot’s thinking was clear. With a growing injury list and confidence already fragile, the Liverpool head coach appeared unwilling to risk further setbacks. His selection left supporters frustrated but also realistic about the priorities at play.
“I don’t think it is possible that if you lose six of seven to have even more pressure,” Slot said. “If you are on a run of results like this, if you play for Liverpool or manage Liverpool, I know the pressure is there.”
“Maybe the most positive thing about tonight is that [at] 2-0 down and not pushing for a goal, the fans were behind the team and supporting us and that gives me the feeling that on Saturday our fans will be incredibly supportive.”
Liverpool’s absentees list has been mounting in recent weeks, with Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, Curtis Jones and Giovanni Leoni all unavailable, alongside Gravenberch, who has been sidelined since twisting his ankle during the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United earlier this month.
However, Slot provided a degree of encouragement post-match, suggesting that Gravenberch might be fit in time for Villa’s visit to Anfield.
“I think Ryan has a good chance,” Slot said. “The other ones are going to be… let’s wait and see tomorrow and Friday. I don’t know [about] all of them but I think Ryan has the best chance from all of them.”
Against Aston Villa, Liverpool need more than effort they need conviction, cohesion and a reminder of why they were champions not so long ago.
Anfield’s patience may endure, as it did on Wednesday night, but only if Saturday brings signs that this painful period is part of a longer plan, not the start of a deeper malaise.
